Bayliss and co-boss Darren Sheridan are unlikely to play on Saturday

Barrow co-manager Dave Bayliss is confident that his side can capitalise on the despondent mood surrounding Middlesbrough in Saturday's FA Cup tie.

Gareth Southgate's Boro are without a win in eight games and Bayliss hopes his side can increase the pressure on the Premier League strugglers.

"Boro are probably down on confidence," he told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"If we start the game well then their fans could get on their back and anything can happen."

Bayliss has been able to catch Middlesbrough in action, notably in their 1-0 defeat by Manchester United on Monday.

But the former Wigan defender admitted it was difficult to assess how their opponents would play come Saturday afternoon.

"They sat back defensively against Manchester United but I can't see them doing the same against us," he said.

"They've got good players in their team who have played hundreds of Premier League games each.

"All we'll do on the day is go out to attack."

The duo of Bayliss and Darren Sheridan have only been in management for a season but have already led the club to promotion from Blue Square North and now to an FA Cup third round tie.

With the pair both registered as players, there could have been a temptation to name themselves in the squad.

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"I'd love to play, it's a great tie to be involved in and it would be even better to be out there on the pitch," he said.

"It'd be unfair of me and Darren [Sheridan] to put ourselves straight in and I think we'd get a few dirty looks in the dressing room.

"Some of these lads might never have the chance again and the lads have done brilliant. We just want them to go out and do themselves justice."

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